Today we took a trip to Oxford. I had asked about the possibility of going, mostly because of my interest in Tolkien and the Inklings.
The company included myself, my mom, my uncle Raymond, his son-in-law Andrew, and Andrew’s daughter Charlotte. Andrew was our tour guide and Charlotte was our chauffeur.
It was a great trip. Highlights included climbing an old Saxon church tower, eating at the Turf Tavern, having a drink at the Eagle and Child pub, and seeing a couple of backpackers dressed in complete Mario and Luigi costumes.
Here are some photos from the day.
Uncle Raymond holds the door while I pretend to call someone from a “red telephone box”
View from atop the church tower of St. Michael at the North Gate
View from atop the church tower of St. Michael at the North Gate
Uncle Raymond waves from the street up to us atop the church tower of St. Michael at the North Gate
Christ Church
Andrew, Charlotte, Uncle Raymond, Mom walking along Broad Street
River Cherwell
Merton College
Narrow street leading to the Turf Tavern
Charlotte, Uncle Raymond, Mom at the Turf Tavern
One of my favorite illustrations by Tolkien, “Conversation with Smaug” outside of the Bodleian Library undergoing renovations
The Eagle and Child pub where Tolkien, Lewis and The Inklings met
signed list of members of The Inklings at the Eagle and Child pub
Radcliffe Camera – home of Bodleian Library reading room